Front Sight?

[Molby242]

"Handgun Combat Master"


originally developed by Chuck Taylor for American Small Arms Academy and in which Piazza is certified. It is by no means some standardized measurement of proficiency.

[barrym66]

"Handgun Combat Master"


originally developed by Chuck Taylor for American Small Arms Academy and in which Piazza is certified. It is by no means some standardized measurement of proficiency.

True, but at least it is some form of quantifiable skills testing...I'm not trying to defend Piazza's credentials, but I wonder just how many of the so-called 'experts' out there who offer training could claim the same? Dr. Piazza was a citizen, just like the rest of us, who did not have the benefit of a military background...so he sought out what appeared to be the best training available to him, took it, and mastered what was offered to him.

Rant mode on...

Most people here (and on other forums) genuinely seem to hate Front Sight and Piazza, having never attended a FS class nor met any of the trainers. Sometimes the bias is based on the "ford vs. chevy" model - "I went to School X, so anything else sucks" - and other times it is based on a dislike for the Front Sight business model (which, I can understand, and dislike as well).

Nevertheless, you could do far worse than take a FS class, and I'll bet that you could not find anything of its equal for the same price (not the BS $2K listed on the website, but for the $100 to $300 that most people actually pay).

Rather than be haters on FS, why not give Front Sight some credit for exposing and training far more people on the proficient and safe use of a firearm (handgun, shotgun, and rifle?) than any other school or organization, save the NRA?

I mean, between 400 and 650 people attend FS classes - every week - 9 months of the year! What other class can attest to these kinds of numbers?

We should be thanking Piazza, rather than criticizing every little element of the Front Sight program (as so often happens here). Rant off.

[h0use]

I go to frontsight about every other month. And every July 4th for there big party. I have had good training from them. Plus every time they come out with free guns they allways give them to me! I bought in when they first opened.

[Bert Gamble]

I have not been to any other training yet, but I know that as a beginner, Front Sight was what I needed.

I am taking my daughter there this weekend and I know she will enjoy it too.

Anyone who thinks there is a better deal out there is insane. Of course I do think they will go bankrupt soon, but I hear that people have been saying that for years and it hasn't happened yet.

I am glad for the service Front Sight provides, and I am glad that 12 people got Diamond memeberships from me at the small cost of $125 per membership during the last "Last Chance" promotion. If a person attends just 1 four day class, the cost per hour of instruction will only be $3.90.

I would be interested to hear from anyone who can beat that price for training. I am thinking that you can't, but good luck.

[MarkG35]

I'm planning on attending Front Sight next year.

Are the hotels your talking about in Vegas?

[Bert Gamble]

I'm planning on attending Front Sight next year.

Are the hotels your talking about in Vegas?

I have stayed in Vegas every time there, but am staying in Pahrump this time. It will cut a lot of time off the commute, but will be pretty boring. May end up going to Vegas a couple of times to see a movie. Going to a Circ de Solei show on Sunday night.

[locosway]

I have stayed in Vegas every time there, but am staying in Pahrump this time. It will cut a lot of time off the commute, but will be pretty boring. May end up going to Vegas a couple of times to see a movie. Going to a Circ de Solei show on Sunday night.

After a day at the range, you actually have time to do fun things? It's usually just get to the hotel, eat dinner somewhere, practice a little, and fall asleep.

[missiondude]

A relative recently got some discounted vouchers so it looks like i'll be headed down soon. From pictures and some brief reviews i've read, is it true you have to use "weaver" stance only? Someone mentioned you can object, but Weaver is the primary stance taught and isosceles is frowned upon...

I'm not asking to get into the debate of which stance is better, I'm just trying to gauge how "by the book" the instructors are or if they're flexible with shooters to some extent. I've always found myself to be a proponent to "if it works for you, by all means use it" type of attitude unless the action of what the shooter is doing will cause serious harm to himself or others, or is just plain wrong.

The last class I took had two ISO shooters that one of the instructors gave instruction in how to shoot ISO more effectively. This class was a skill builder, so I cant say if they would have been as accomodating in the basic 4 day class. These two were also already good shooters and one ended up shooting the skills test clean, the other down 6. This was a very good group as 14 of 36 got DG on the skills test, and another 12 or so graduated.

[SuperSet]

Up to 600 shooters per week? When you are cranking out those kind of numbers, there's bound to be some detractors. I've never been to FS so can't comment on the training. If you guys are happy with it and feel that you've gotten value out of the class, I don't understand the compulsion to talk down to it.

[Sillyguy]

it's a lot of fun i like it.

[thebriarman]

My $.02 worth...

Just got back from Front Sight and started with their basic handgun course because I wanted to know personally what it was all about and how fundamental and accurate their training was. Truthfully, I went with a bit of an "I know better" attitude and a bit of a negative perspective. Boy, was I out of line!

Frankly, I was completely and thoroughly impressed with the quality and accuracy of their training. They stress safety, safety, safety, above all else. Their class room instruction was top-notch and dead-on. Everything, and I mean everything, they taught both in the class room and on the range was highly beneficial. My instructors were current LEO, former LEO, tactical trainers, and weapons experts.

I cannot more highly recommend their training to beginners who know they know nothing to experienced folks who know it all.

My background? Retired LEO with tactical training and a familiarity with firearms dating back almost 50 years. I guess you're never too old to learn something new and to be reminded that before you criticize it, you should actually experience it.

[AAShooter]

My $.02 worth...

Just got back from Front Sight and started with their basic handgun course because I wanted to know personally what it was all about and how fundamental and accurate their training was. Truthfully, I went with a bit of an "I know better" attitude and a bit of a negative perspective. Boy, was I out of line!

Frankly, I was completely and thoroughly impressed with the quality and accuracy of their training. They stress safety, safety, safety, above all else. Their class room instruction was top-notch and dead-on. Everything, and I mean everything, they taught both in the class room and on the range was highly beneficial. My instructors were current LEO, former LEO, tactical trainers, and weapons experts.

I cannot more highly recommend their training to beginners who know they know nothing to experienced folks who know it all.

My background? Retired LEO with tactical training and a familiarity with firearms dating back almost 50 years. I guess you're never too old to learn something new and to be reminded that before you criticize it, you should actually experience it.

Glad to hear it.

[Molby242]

True, but at least it is some form of quantifiable skills testing...I'm not trying to defend Piazza's credentials, but I wonder just how many of the so-called 'experts' out there who offer training could claim the same? Dr. Piazza was a citizen, just like the rest of us, who did not have the benefit of a military background...so he sought out what appeared to be the best training available to him, took it, and mastered what was offered to him.

Not jumping on the hate wagon (at least not yet) since i haven't been to the class yet. Just from experience, the best shooters I know don't have to wave certificates at you, while those who do probably aren't as good as they say. and i guess if I was like Piazza and don't have the normal background for this that one would expect, i'd flaunt my HCM as well...

I was also pointing out that the HCM test was made up by one single dude, so the standards are pretty arbitrary. And, as someone mentioned, the FS HCM is not even the same as the ASAA HCM. Not saying the guys who have been certified aren't good or great shooters, but at the end of the day it's just a piece of paper.

The last class I took had two ISO shooters that one of the instructors gave instruction in how to shoot ISO more effectively. This class was a skill builder, so I cant say if they would have been as accomodating in the basic 4 day class. These two were also already good shooters and one ended up shooting the skills test clean, the other down 6. This was a very good group as 14 of 36 got DG on the skills test, and another 12 or so graduated.

Cool. Good to know. I hope my instructor can take that approach. I originally started out a weaver guy and was converted to ISO. I can't really see myself going back...

[shooter74]

Love Front Sight big fan and member

look at this cool video I found on youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVP7X723vys

[Mystery Meat]

I've attended four of the Four Day Defensive Handgun classes and two Four Day Practical Rifle classes. I've always been pleased with the instructors and training. They are good people. One of my handgun classes was taught by a former Recon Marine. Many of the instructors are former LEOs or ex-military.

I've never met anyone there who paid full price to attend a course. Most first timers buy a certificate (that can be used only by first timers), to attend a two or four day class. You can usually find one on Craigslist or Ebay for $125-200.

I don't like the way they market Front Sight. It seems like a Ponzi scheme to me. When I bought my lifetime membership (which cost $1900 at the time), I was worried that the pyramid was going to collapse before I got my money's worth. That was six years ago. Somehow, they make it work. They are still plowing money into the facility, building more ranges, a restroom with flush toilets, etc., which does not seem to be the behavior of a company that is about to go bankrupt.

The last time I took the Practical Rifle course, my range partner was an active duty Captain in the Marine Corps, who'd had two tours in Iraq. Why would an active duty Marine take a Front Sight rifle course? He told me the training was worthwhile and that he'd learned a few things. He DGd the class.

The big problem for me is that Front Sight is about 600 miles from where I live, so it's a long drive. Or, if I fly, I can only carry 11 lbs of ammo, and have to rent a car. (During the Great Ammo Drought, it was harder to get ammo there). I usually get there the day before the class, so I stay at a hotel for five nights. It can get expensive. I've met two guys who moved to Pahrump, Nevada, so they could attend more classes! I'm not that hard core.

So, I ignore the marketing stuff and go for the training. I'm happy.